In a recent development in Ramban district, a 500-meter stretch of a vital link road met with a landslide, causing significant damage and disruption. The incident occurred around 7:45 pm near Pernote village, triggering the uprooting of several electricity poles and prompting authorities to swiftly evacuate residents to safety.
Landslide Damages Vital Link Road In Ramban
Attention Travelers and Drivers
URGENT: Massive subsidence/sinking at km 5 on Ramban-Gool Road! Road blocked, all vehicles halted. Restoration work underway for road connectivity and power supply affected by road sinking. Ramban-Gool road currently blocked. Stay tuned for…
— Deputy Commissioner (DEO), Ramban (@dcramban) April 25, 2024
Deputy Magistrate Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary took to social media to disseminate information about the incident. “Massive subsidence/sinking at km 5 on Ramban-Gool Road! Road blocked, all vehicles halted. Restoration work underway for road connectivity and power supply affected by road sinking. Ramban-Gool road currently blocked. Stay tuned for updates,” he conveyed, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
According to Hindustan Times, the Border Roads Organisation’s commanding officer, SK Gautam, shed light on the extent of the damage, revealing that 50 metres of the road had been washed out while the remaining 450 metres had sunk due to the unique geological composition of the area. He mentioned that the region’s Murree formation and red soil, similar to Joshimath, exacerbated the situation. Gautam assured that efforts were underway, with personnel and equipment ready to initiate repair and restoration once the situation stabilised.
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Authorities Run For Rescue And Restoration
Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary visited houses affected by land sinking in village Pernote, Ramban. He personally interacted with affected families, assuring them of full support from the district administration. Together, we stand with those impacted, offering… pic.twitter.com/uSwSCYQntS
— Deputy Commissioner (DEO), Ramban (@dcramban) April 26, 2024
Heavy rainfall, common in the region, exacerbated the risk of land subsidence as rainwater seepage eroded the soil, making it prone to instability. Additional Superintendent of Police Gaurav Mahajan confirmed the development of cracks on the link road between Ramban and Dharamkubd. It necessitates the suspension of traffic movement and the mobilisation of machinery to the affected area.
The situation’s gravity was underscored by local resident Rajinder Kumar. As per the Hindustan Times reports, he pointed out that the land subsidence had severed connectivity between Gool tehsil, Sangaldan, and the Ramban district headquarters. It potentially impacted critical infrastructure projects like the Sawlakote hydel power project and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project.
The affected road falls under the jurisdiction of the 52-Road Construction Company (RCC) GREF of Beacon. The affected area is a mere 5 kilometres from the Ramban district headquarters.
With authorities actively engaged in restoration efforts, residents and stakeholders eagerly await updates on the road’s reopening.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva